September 1, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 continues to bring intelligent performance features and loads of power to the Dodge brand’s iconic four-door fastback coupe. Making a return to the Charger SRT8 lineup are the popular Charger SRT8 Super Bee core-performance models with a variety of new exterior color choices that will be rolled out during the model year.

Powered by the 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine that offers 470 horsepower (351 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. (637 N•m) of torque across a wide rpm range, performance numbers for the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 include 0-60 mph acceleration in the high 4-second range; quarter mile in the high 12-second range; 0-100-0 mph in less than 16 seconds; top speed of 175 mph and stopping power from 60-0 mph in 120 feet.

Awe-inspiring powertrain
Even with the high horsepower and torque numbers, up to 23 mpg on the highway is achieved by the use of an active valve exhaust system that allows the standard Fuel Saver Technology (four-cylinder mode) to engage over a wide rpm range for efficient motoring or the use of all eight cylinders when the extra power is needed. The active valve exhaust system also allows for straight through mid and rear mufflers for a throaty exhaust note under engine load.

The proven five-speed automatic transmission uses standard steering wheel mounted paddle shifters or the center console mounted Auto Stick, allowing for a choice of spirited shifting on both the road and the racetrack. Both methods give the driver the ability to manually select specific gears on the transmission.

In “Drive,” the transmission controller will automatically shift the vehicle. The aggressiveness of the shifting is defined by the mode chosen - either “Normal” or “Track.” Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes the powertrain more responsive while minimizing harshness.

In “Manual,” the shift method is defined by the driver choosing to use either paddle shift or Auto Stick. The “Track” mode adds a hold function to the calibration in all gears, allowing the driver full control of the shifting schedule.

Outstanding ride, handling and capability
New for 2013 is an improved adaptive damping suspension (ADS) system that is expanded to three modes and tuned specifically for the Dodge Charger SRT8 to provide an everyday performance ride or a much firmer race track capable damping for more challenging driving situations.

In “Sport” mode, the damping system rebound and compression is locked to a higher damping rate. Drivers can easily choose between settings with a press of a button on the center stack to quickly change the shock damping characteristics from “Auto” for everyday commuting to “Sport” for more spirited driving situations.

In “Track” mode, the higher damping rates combine with a performance shifting and gear holding feature that allows the driver full shift control when using the steering wheel mounted paddle controls or AutoStick.

A new for 2013, standard launch control system helps maximize straight-line acceleration.

When the vehicle is at a complete stop, the driver engages the system by pressing the ESC button twice and then with their foot securely on the brake, quickly applies full throttle. Launch control holds the engine at optimal launch rpm (1,825) and waits for the driver to release the brake. Launch control then uses engine torque management to achieve controlled wheelslip for maximum acceleration up to 62 mph (100 kph).

The performance SRT-tuned, fully hydraulic steering system uses a heavy-duty pump and unique gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.

Maximum handling rating for the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 is .88g on the skidpad,with the available Goodyear three-season tires.

Standard split five-spoke, 20 x 9-inch lightweight forged and polished aluminum wheels with black painted pockets provide great looks. New for 2013 is the same style wheel available in the SRT-exclusive Black Vapor Chrome finish.

The Ready Alert Braking system anticipates when the driver quickly releases the accelerator pedal and may initiate an emergency brake stop. The electronic stability control pump then engages to set the brake pads against the rotors, speeding up the time required for full brake application.

Aggressive and functional exterior
There is no mistaking the high performance look of the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 through the exclusive high-gloss black front grille, grille surround, Dodge crosshair next to the signature SRT badge and the 6.4-liter HEMI badges on each fender.

The performance-sculpted hood features an air exhauster for added engine cooling.

Both front fenders on Super Bee models tout the historically significant V-8 engine with “392 HEMI” badges first seen on the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. Flanking both rear fenders are the legendary round Super Bee graphics, which include the wording “Powered by SRT” to commemorate the modern incarnation of this celebrated performance icon.

Unique side-sill cladding on all Charger SRT8 models is painted to match the body color.

Both front seats have unique, aggressive bolstering under the Nappa leather and Axis perforated suede insert fabric to help “grip” the driver and passengers, keeping them in place during spirited driving. Front seats are also heated and ventilated and have the SRT logo embroidered in the seat backs. Reactive headrests are standard.

The instrument panel’s 8.4-inch color touchscreen display – the segment’s largest standard (available on Super Bee) display – also has all the same Performance Pages data as the EVIC, and is further expanded to include steering angle, horsepower and torque outputs along with engine gauges. The display is customizable to a driver selectable background.

Unique interior appointments on the 2013 Charger SRT8 Super Bee models include exclusive Z-stripe cloth performance seats with silver striping in both the front and rear as well as silver accent stitching and embroidered Super Bee logos on each of the front seat headrests.

The instrument panel also features the Charger Super Bee logo on a unique dash plaque.

Modified software includes the appearance of the Super Bee logo in the center instrument panel’s EVIC at vehicle start up.

Safety and security
The 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 features more than 65 advanced safety and security features, including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go and electronic stability control (ESC) with segment-exclusive Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance.

In addition, standard front-row reactive head restraints, standard full-length side-curtain air bags, driver’s knee air bag and standard front seat-mounted side-thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.

Connectivity and infotainment
The Dodge Charger SRT8 features an available 900-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon. The system offers world premier innovation, featuring a 32-volt Tracking Power Supply (TPS) 12-channel Class D amplifier that delivers outstanding acoustics and brings multi-dimensional, quality sound for all interior occupants.

The system uses GreenEdge speaker and amplifier technology to offer superior sound quality and high Sound Pressure Level outputs with minimum energy consumption. GreenEdge amplifiers alone outperform traditional amplifier efficiency by up to 55 percent, representing a net efficiency of more than 90 percent in some cases. The speakers are tuned for maximum efficiency and perfectly matched to the amplifier output.

Seven 3.5-inch Unity Coaxial mid-range speakers with seven integrated tweeters located in the front dash, rear doors and rear deck
Two 6 x 9-inch subwoofers located in the front doors
Two 6 x 9-inch subwoofers in the rear deck
One 10-inch subwoofer in the rear deck

The intuitive user interface for the system is controlled through the state-of-the-art Uconnect Touch on the largest standard (available on Super Bee) touchscreen display (8.4-inch) in the segment. Benchmarked against the best E-segment sedans from Europe, Asia and North America, the easy-to-use system also features Uconnect Voice to deliver world-class functionality to keep all passengers easily connected, comfortable and secure.

The Uconnect Touch system features handsfree texting with compatible Bluetooth devices, voice commands for Garmin Navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and more iPod control features to expand on the system’s connectivity and convenience technologies.

Safety and ease-of-use is a priority, and the upgraded Uconnect Touch 8.4 and 8.4N models with handsfree texting keep passengers even more connected through voice commands. With a compatible Bluetooth phone, Uconnect Touch enables text-to-speech for incoming text messages and provides the driver with recorded speech-to-text responses for outgoing messages.

The 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 is built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price is $44,995 (plus $995 destination) for the SRT8 model and $41,775 (plus $995 destination) for the Super Bee model.

SRT Track Experience
Owners of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle receive one day of professional driving instruction as part of the SRT Track Experience, designed to maximize their driving knowledge and skills on the street or track. Sessions are held throughout the year at selected tracks.

American Muscle, like a pit bull. Big but not large, well defined, explosive power, in it till the end. The cat will give it go and zig and zag, but in the end the pit bull will always catch the cat – the outcome is never good for the cat.

Per Dodge's "Build your own", The 2012 SRT8 os only avaialble in Black, White and red, the 2013 Superbee is only available ib Black. I am surprised that they never released a supercharged or 8 speed for 2013. But in a way I am glad as I would have been mad about buying my 2012 Superbee - just to have it upstaged a few months later.